rolls royce releases the dawn: a luxury drophead coupé fit for four
all images courtesy of rolls royce
striking and assertive, rolls royce is the ultimate choice when driving into into town to make a statement. their most recent convertible, the ‘dawn’ continues the tradition with charm and abundance that doesn’t match other luxury vehicles on the road, with it’s no compromise habit that they are recognized for in goodwood, england. much like the 1952 ‘silver dawn’ drophead before it, the new ‘dawn’ stands apart, featuring 80% unique body panels. specific engineering and manufacturing attention has been paid to the creation of the roof. it delivers the silence of a ‘wraith’ when up and operates in almost complete silence in just over 20 seconds at a cruising speed of up to 50 km/h.
designers at rolls royce focused on a 2+2 setup that doesn’t jeopardize on space at the rear, with plenty of leg room making it very comfortable and practical. it embodies dynamic and social qualities that will attract a broader, younger and more socially aware audience around the world, with charming and alluring qualities that bring a new level of finesse, sophistication and refinement in a drophead coupé.
contemporary interpretation of what a super-luxury four-seater convertible motor car
the ‘dawn’s’ powerful and striking front end gives it a sensuous yet edgy, muscline look whilst the bold sweeping shoulder line becomes more as it flows over the swell of rear wheels accommodating a wider track. with its high shoulder line, massive c-pillar and horizontally narrow side window, when viewed from side on and roof up, the car looks akin to a low slung american hot rod. the deck itself is a work of modern craftsmanship. clothed in open pore panelling that traces the horse shoe shape of the rear cabin, it demonstrates the advances that the craftspeople have made in wood technology and techniques.
the grille design helps accelerate the tension of the car towards the rear shoulders
‘dawn is a rolls-royce that feels completely at home on the route napoleon. it is a contemporary homage to a life on the côte d’azur. the car is a contemporary take on the ‘casino’ lifestyle. perhaps seen as cavalier in character it is intended to attract people who relish both freedom and sophistication,” describes giles taylor, director of design at rolls royce. ‘at rolls-royce motor cars we design without compromise, and this uncompromising approach brings new challenges with each new motor car. in the case of the new rolls-royce dawn, we have designed it from the road up to deliver a striking, seductive encounter.’
the 2+2 setup
specific engineering and manufacturing attention has been paid to the creation of the ‘dawn’s’ roof
80% of the exterior body panels of the ‘dawn’ are newly designed
the roof operates in almost complete silence and folds in just over 20 seconds
the ‘spirit of ecstasy’ bonnet figure
the coach doors add significantly to the overall strength and stiffness of the body
the four separate bucket seats
the polished metal chaplets around the dials
the wood on the deck, chosen by the customer to suit their individual taste
foot step custom plates
the timepiece fused into the dash
the rear center console
